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The Fish
Ludomir is knee deep in the river, miserably failing at catching a fish. He would rather be fighting. He would rather be winning prizes, like his father. But Mum says "fighting is good but not starving is better." Ah. If only he had siblings. He would boss them around--have them do all the fishing.
Ludomir's mind begins to wander. If the river ends at the edge of the world, and the water falls, how come it never dries out? Maybe he should explore the edge of the world, one day, even have his own airship! A frozen sensation brings Ludomir back to reality. He is cold, he has been in the water for so long. He lets out a deep sigh. "Focus on the fish. Now, stand still... Let it come closer... And grab!"
He fails. Again. He hates fishing!
Anger builds-up. In frustration, Ludomir smashes the water, making a huge splash! He senses movement. On the river's bank, a fish is awash, brought there by the displaced water. He grins. How about that, Mum?
Ludomir returns home, proudly holding his catch. As soon as he opens the door, his mother grabs him by the arm and pulls him aside, a grave look on her face. "Come, we have guests." She does not even acknowledge the fish.
"Mum? What's happening?"
In the main hall, two figures are standing, covered in dirt. One is Ratika. The other, Ludomir does not recognize, but surprisingly looks frailer than Ratika. His mother addresses the guests, gesturing at Ludomir. "He doesn't know yet."